Overseas Player Testimonials
Hear from some of the Overseas Players that have come out to Altona to join us.
We warmly welcome all new players, from interstate/overseas visitors, to experienced players transferring from other clubs and right through to new players who have never picked up a hockey stick before.
Hello everyone, I’m Luis Pascual, and last year I was lucky enough to land in Altona and experience what became a dream half-season for everyone at Altona Hockey Club.
I won’t lie, when I boarded my flight from Spain, I was nervous and a little scared of what I might find. But as soon as I met Greg and Tracey, I knew it was going to be one of the best experiences of my life and I wasn’t wrong. From the other side of the world, I want to thank them once again for everything.
Altona Hockey Club gave me friends for life. The style of hockey is a bit different from what we play in Spain, but I was lucky to adapt quickly, thanks to my teammates who were always there to help with anything I needed.
I have so many great memories from my time there, but if I had to pick one, it would be those Thursday nights after training, when we’d all get together for dinner and just enjoy time as friends. And of course, I can’t forget that semifinal match, one of the toughest moments of my life. But as Greg said to me, this is hockey and thanks to hockey, I got to be part of a historic season.
The atmosphere at AHC is truly special. It’s a small club, but it feels like a big family—and that’s what I loved most.
If I ever get the chance, I would come back in a heartbeat. I made amazing friends I still talk to every day, and I truly hope I’ll get the chance to play alongside them again someday.
Once a Seagull, always a Seagull.

Kate Gillis – Canadian National Team
Hey look us over, here at AHC….
That’s about all I could remember, but definitively not an indication of how much I loved playing and being part of the Altona Hockey Club.
My name is Kate Gillis, also known as “Babsy” and “Gillyflowers”, both names that were given to me during my time in Melbourne. I am a forward for the Canadian Women’s field hockey team and just finished playing in the Women’s Premier League for the best blue and gold team out there.
Matt Guest undeniably pointed me in the right direction when he told me I should play for AHC. Altona has such a great atmosphere and really embraces what it means to be a club.
While on exchange at the University of Melbourne, I was fortunate to be able to throw on the blue and gold every weekend and represent Altona on every “pitch” throughout Melbourne. While I must say the State Netball and Hockey Center was by far the best field to play on, the “Snakepit” was unquestionably a close second. Surrounded by screaming fans, some less polite than others (Briza/Millsy), the snakepit was always a place to make your opponent feel unwelcome and for the home team to take complete advantage.
At the snakepit, the club room is big enough to hold the entire club plus a few loud voices (Briza). It is a place where family and friends and Bones get together to share a meal, a laugh, or watch some footy (Go Dogs…woof woof). I really enjoyed having lasagna Thursdays and trying Bob Guest’s latest soup creation.
The Altona field hockey community really treats you like you are one of their own. Each and every person involved in the club made Australia, sorry… ‘Strayya, feel like home. I had an amazing time and can’t thank the club enough for having me.
I’ll be back, and I’m winning that $2,000 dollars when I do.

Name: Josh Pewter
Position: GK
Club: University of Leeds HC, England
What did you most enjoy about your time in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s a great place to live for many reasons. I lived in the CBD and it was great to be right in the midst of things. The nightlife was fantastic and there was always top music and sporting events going on. I also enjoyed venturing just outside the city; places like Aireys Inlet (where we did our pre-season) were amazing to experience.
How did you find the standard of hockey?
I enjoyed the challenge of playing Hockey in Victoria. I predominantly played Pennant A, and it’s a highly competitive league, arguably the second best in the state. Having all the clubs within such close proximity was great too, usually back home our nearest away match was over an hour away so it was a great change. Making my debut in Premier league against Greensborough was definitely one of my proudest moments (despite shipping 9) and playing a third of your matches at the state hockey centre makes it a really great experience.
What did you most like about Altona HC?
Before heading over to Victoria, I sent a couple of feelers out to different clubs to see if they were interested, despite a few responses, Altona stood out shoulders above the other clubs in the how they were so accommodating. From picking me up from the airport, to helping me try and find accommodation and jobs, everyone at the club were incredibly welcoming, and made the transition of moving across the globe very easy. The social atmosphere of the club is amazing, with lots of functions running throughout the year. My biggest regret is that I couldn’t stay out long enough for finals weekend or the famous Steak Day!
Would you come back and play with Altona?
If I could afford it? Yes 100%, I made some friends that even 2 years later I stay in contact frequently. I made some real great connections in Australia and the whole experience is something that I won’t forget for a long while.

Name: Pol Ribas Rovira
Position: Forward
Club: FC Barcelona
What did you enjoy most about your time in Melbourne?
I like a lot that the people take us to do Surf every time they can, and this was really nice
How did you find the standard of hockey particularly – Premier League?
I think that’s really different about Barcelona
What did you most like about Altona HC?
I like the club house, the dinners after training, and I like a lot that Altona HC is a big Family
Would you come back and play with Altona?
I wish it, Say you the answer.
Did you enjoy the social life?
I love the social life in Altona, all is different, bud alot of things are better!

Toby Langdon and Nicola Bates
Toby and I moved to Melbourne from Oxford, UK where we both played hockey, so we were keen to find a new club where we were able to play regular hockey and meet some new people. We chose to join Altona as they had a range of teams offering both competitive or social hockey and a large number of social events throughout the season. Having played for a season with the club, we know we made the right decision. We have made some great friends (who do sometimes laugh at our pommie words….gum shield or mouth guard Tiff??), played hockey in far warmer conditions in comparison to the UK, made sure our new club stubbie holders are at home behind the bar in the club house and are looking forward to next season already!
Josh Coote – Southgate, England
My name is Joshua Coote, and in 2008 I came and played a season in Australia from England for Altona Hockey Club. As an England Junior International having played U/16, U18 and at the time looking forward to an U/21 trial as well as playing English Premier League the quality of hockey that was on offer at this club was very attractive. The top league of Victoria is not only demanding on your skills but also physically and playing at a club that takes both of this aspects seriously is not only great for your development but was also incredibly enjoyable.
Altona is a really friendly club, who takes care of its international visitors. This was reflected in my own personal experience and in how I have seen them treat other guests including other Englishmen, Spaniards, and Canadians. In my first season at the club everyone looked after me, and I was always made to feel welcome. They made sure I had work, and there was always somewhere for a night out, and you couldn’t look far past the awesome club social nights!! My experience at the club was so good and I made so many friends I have now been back and involved in every season since then.
Away from the hockey side of life, Melbourne is a fantastic place to visit and live. Having experienced many other parts of Australia Melbourne in my view is definitely the place to be. For the sporty Melbourne is home to the AFL, 2 of the top soccer sides in Australia, one of the best Rugby League sides in the world as well as the newly formed Super 15s Rugby Union side. On top of this there is the MCG for the cricket fans, Formula1, and much more. For those looking for a bit more than sport there are many galleries, and some of the best sights in Australia such as the Great Ocean Road. Not only this but it is an excellent location for cheap flights to get around to other parts of Australia and even over to New Zealand. Altona is not only one of the best hockey clubs in Melbourne it is one of the most social and enjoyable clubs. The passion for the Blue and Gold is infectious and you will never forget the club especially the song after you sing it for the first time.

Michael Newman
Midfield/defence – University of Leeds HC, England
What did you enjoy most about your time in Melbourne?
Living in the centre of one of the world’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities was an unforgettable experience. The many restaurants, bars, shops, museums, gardens and sporting events, all set amongst beautiful scenery make it impossible to ever get bored!
…Not to mention the lure of the magnificent Crown Casino!
How did you find the standard of hockey particularly – Premier League?
The standard of hockey at Premier League level was very high and with many players vying for first team places the hockey played by the 2nd XI was also very impressive.
Training and playing at Premier League level has certainly made me into a better hockey player.
What did you most like about Altona HC?
I immediately felt part of Altona HC as soon as I arrived. Their friendly and approachable nature made my time there very enjoyable.
I also felt at lot of pride in playing with, and receiving coaching from, several former and current state and international players.
Altona HC has a perfect mix of presenting themselves as a club with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, while also providing top level hockey and coaching and a will to win unrivalled in Victoria.
Would you come back and play with Altona?
I wouldn’t hesitate in returning to Altona. The hockey is of a top standard, the people are incredible and Melbourne is an unbelievable place to live!
Did you enjoy the social life?
The nightlife in Melbourne is fantastic with loads of great pubs, bars and clubs in and around the city. There is tons of live sport to watch too and I particularly enjoyed watching a few AFL matches at the MCG and Etihad Stadium with mates.
The various socials held at Altona HC were always great fun too, with the whole club keen to get involved and have a few beers after a game.


Interested in playing for Altona? Contact Us:
Find all of the latest AHC news
For all of the latest news from the Altona Hockey Club, subscribe to our Newsletter, follow us on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) and read on below:
Tim Watts MP – Delivering new floodlights for Altona Hockey Club
Federal Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts said the new floodlights would be an important amenity for the high-performing hockey club in Melbourne’s West, while encouraging new players to get active.
Welcome to Symmetry Physiotherapy
We are pleased to announce Symmetry Physiotherapy will be coming on board as our Physiotherapy and healthcare provider for the 2025 season.
With 9 conveniently located clinics Symmetry Physiotherapy are the leading Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine providers in the Western and North Western suburbs of Melbourne.
Welcome to Bendigo Bank
Altona Hockey Club is pleased to announce our partnership with Bendigo Community Banks Altona and Laverton.
2025 Winter Season Key Information
The 2025 Winter season information, everything from training times, links to fixture, season dates and everything you need to know. We hope you have a great season!
Trio selected in 2025 Kookaburras Squad
Cooper Burns has been selected in the 2025 Kookaburras squad and is joined by both Connar Otterbach and Nye Roberts in the Kookaburras wider squad, all of which will have the chance to train with the National set-up.
2024 Annual Report & Summary of the Year
2024 Annual Report & Summary of the Year November 11th, 2024The Altona Hockey Club is proud to present the 2023-2024 Annual Report:President's Year in Review2024 was a year we saw some exceptional performances for our club as well as another record number of...
Landells Signs – New Pitch End Naming Rights Sponsor
We are thrilled to announce that Landells Signs have come on board as a sponsor of the Altona Hockey Club and formerly the ‘Cherry Lake End’ of the pitch is now known as the Landells Signs end!
Premier League Men secure the 2024 Minor Premiership
Congratulations to our Men’s Premier League squad, Coach Greg Drake and all off-field staff, who have secured the Minor Premiership with a big 7-1 win against Essendon today.
M&D Landscapes – Welcome to our New Sponsor
If you want a quote or have any landscaping work, contact long time AHC player, Matt on [email protected] or 0478 351 455
Tracey Drake elected Chair of Hockey Victoria
Congratulations to Tracey Drake who has been elected as the Chair of the Hockey Victoria Board! She is also the first woman to have served as the Chair since Hockey Victoria was formed more than 20 years ago.
Our New Scoreboard Thanks to the Westgate Tunnel Project
The new AHC Scoreboard is officially open!
As part of the West Gate Tunnel Project 2023 Grant funding round, we were lucky enough to be accepted to receive $48,000. The project, led by Andrew Meiers, was undertaken over the pre-season with the scoreboard ready for the start of the 2024 season.
2024 Australian Development Squad & 2023 Junior World Cup
A huge congratulations to both Cooper Burns and Connar Otterbach who have been selected in the Hockey Australia National Men’s Development Squad for 2024!
Premier League Coaching in 2024
We are excited to announce Greg Drake as MPL Head Coach and Danielle Schubach as WPL Head Coach.
2023 Annual Report & Summary of the Year
2023 Annual Report & Summary of the Year November 14th, 2023The Altona Hockey Club is proud to present the 2022-2023 Annual Report:President's Year in Review2023 is our 91st anniversary as a club, and last year I wrote of an historic year with our 90th anniversary...
Eyecare Plus Altona – your local Optometrist and our new Gold Sponsor
We are excited to welcome Eyecare Plus Altona as a Gold Sponsor of the Altona Hockey Club.
Welcome Werribee Steel – Premier Partner
We are very happy to announce that Werribee Steel have signed on as the Premier Partner of the Altona Hockey Club for the 2023 & 2024 seasons.
The New AHC Uniform
The Altona Hockey Club playing uniform is designed to be a modern, inclusive uniform for the whole club, with the traditional Royal Blue and Gold of the AHC are prominent in the design.
Celebrating Inaugural AHC Indigenous Round
Celebrating Inaugural AHC Indigenous Round July 19, 2023 Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate our Inaugural Indigenous Round this past weekend. Thank you to Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council for the powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, Aunty...